Ken Oliver

Posted: September 1, 2026

KEN OLIVER, a distinguished figure in racing journalism, has died aged 86. His funeral will take place at Basildon Crematorium at Church Rd, Bowers Gifford, Basildon SS13 2HG at 10.30am on Monday, September 21

He was The Guardian’s racing editor until his retirement in 2004, after a prolific career that included roles at prominent publications such as the London Evening News, The Sporting Life (where he was universally known as The Major), the Sun, London Daily News, and the Sunday People – where he wrote under the pseudonym Larry Lynx. Additionally, he was the editor of Ruff’s Guide to the Turf, a Sporting Life publication akin to cricket’s Wisden but in the world of racing.

When I joined The Guardian in 2001, Ken was already the racing editor, and his presence was a delight. He was a seasoned professional from the golden era of Fleet Street, possessing an impressive breadth of knowledge about horseracing and deeply familiar with the traditions of print journalism, which were beginning to fade in the digital age.

Ken had a calm demeanor, and was excellent company for a drink at a local pub after the first edition was complete. Ken was also a proponent of the long lunch, a cherished tradition among Fleet Street journalists. Chris Hawkins, a long-time racing writer for The Guardian, said: “Ken was a fantastic operator. Nothing ever seemed to rattle him. He enjoyed a pint, a game of snooker, and was a real foodie. I recall a Sunday lunch at the Albion where he was relishing some roast beef when the landlady called out, ‘Ken, the Dovers are in.’ Without missing a beat, he replied, ‘Right, once I finish this, I’ll have one.’ And he did.”

Like many journalists of his generation, Ken began his career as a tea boy in his teenage years, starting at the London Evening News, which was the world’s top-selling evening paper at that time. He gradually ascended through the ranks of the industry. According to Dennis Sherriffs, a former colleague at The Guardian, he was “the most friendly, easy-going person imaginable. Ken was always calm and smooth, and then he would say, ‘Come on, Den, let’s go for a drink.’ He was genuinely a nice guy, well-liked by everyone”.

In his retirement, Ken continued to enjoy horseracing, frequently attending events at West Country tracks, with Wincanton being his favourite. He died just a few months the 60th anniversary of his marriage to Sylvia.

Tony Paley, who succeeded Ken as The Guardian’s racing editor, said: “I owe a great deal to Ken and will always appreciate his support in recommending my application for a position on the racing desk at The Guardian. It was a joy to work alongside him during the final days before the internet took over, and he always insisted on having lunch out while on duty.

“Totally unflappable, Ken had the most amazing eye for a print edition and could redesign pages in the light of breaking stories faster than anyone I have ever seen. He was kind, had an engaging sense of humour and was always ‘the life and soul’. I know he will be very sorely missed by his family, friends and all his ex-colleagues.”

With thanks to Greg Wood, The Guardian. Picture: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Geoff Lester – If Ken Oliver had ever been given a role in a Western film he would have had to wear a white hat as he was undoubtedly one of the good guys. I never heard anyone say a bad word about Ken. My few years working with him were when he was racing editor for the London Evening News, and it was back in the mid-70’s when Ken offered me a few early morning subbing shifts on their racing desk.

Invariably that meant getting the de-icer out at 5.30am for the car journey up from near Heathrow, but working with Ken was not a chore, it was fun, and the four hours flew by. It was only a hop, skip and a jump from the Evening News offices to the Life in Covent Garden, so whenever Ken had time he would insist we grab a pie and a pint at lunchtime before I headed off to Long Acre for the second half of my working day.

Sadly I did not see too much of Ken in recent years, but our paths occasionally crossed when I was reporting for The Life at Wincanton, his favourite course, so we’d catch up. Ken was not only Mr Nice Guy, but he was totally unflappable and it was no surprise when he was snapped up by The Guardian. He helped me climb up the racing ladder, and I send on my sympathies to his family at this sad time.

Eddie Fremantle – I never worked with Ken but used to meet him often on the train to the races, with his band of pals, generally going to Wincanton. The ‘lunch’ in the pub before racing was always entertaining and Ken an utter gentleman. I miss those days.

Mike Cattermole – I got to know Ken quite well when I freelanced on the racing desk at The Guardian. Always cheery, good company, sincere and helpful. An absolute all-round gent. I am so pleased that he enjoyed a long retirement.

Tony Elves – I had the great privilege of knowing Ken for a long time from my days on The Racing Calendar when he would contact me on a weekly basis for the new lists of licenses etc which he needed for Ruff’s Guide, and I would constantly pester him to know of any job opportunities at The Sporting Life.

He did indeed tip me the wink that there were some jobs coming up with the founding of the Racing Post and, thankfully, I was given the opportunity to team up with Neil Cook and the rest of a wonderful Life team in Holborn.

Obviously, I got to know Ken so much more as a friend and also had the chance to work alongside doing casual shifts for The Guardian. We had some great days there, and I was patiently waiting for a full time position when I was offered the Newmarket job with the Life.

My first port of call was Ken, and he advised me to take the HQ role as he couldn’t guarantee that if and when a vacancy came up that they would indeed look for replacements. My move didn’t end our friendship as Ken would contact me before his frequent visits to the July course, and being the Gentle Giant that he was would invariably buy my three children ice creams.

As others have said,  not once did I ever see him lose his temper – he was Karma personified and we  have all been extremely fortunate to have shared time with a Fleet Street legend. RIP mate!